Zsófia Oszlánczi makes connections through communications internship

Major(s) / Minor(s): Major is Communication Studies, minors are French and Business.

Why did you choose your majors/minors? Did you always know what you wanted to study? Or was there a eureka moment?

I used to be very talkative when I was little, and I always participated in poetry recitation contests during elementary and high school. Although the talkativeness didn’t disappear, I became more interested in observing how people communicate with each other interpersonally and interculturally. In May, I was elected to be the President of the International Student Association (ISA) at KU, and our goal is to help international students with adjusting to their new environment and to make sure that they get the fullest KU experience while being here.

I also helped out with event coordination, and interviewed company employees to collect data for the company’s history book.

What was your favorite part(s) of the internship?

My supervisors and I taught 4 class periods about public speaking at Cristo Rey High School in Kansas City. Helping those students face their fear of speaking in public made me realize what a relevant role communication has in our lives from early ages on.

What did you gain from the experience that will be valuable to you in the future?

I wrote 3 articles for the company’s intranet, which helped me develop my writing skills, and it also gave me an insight into web page editing.

How had the classes you’d taken at KU prepared you for the internship?

My previous job experiences helped me a lot, but I also remembered facts from my communications classes. For example, the knowledge I gained from those became very handy when I had to teach kids different techniques to calm themselves down while giving a speech.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I am planning to do a Master’s in Journalism at KU.

Give a shout-out to someone to a prof, advisor or someone else who has been influential during your time at KU:

Jonathan Perkins and Gloria Funcheon. Dr. Perkins is my supervisor at the Ermal Garinger Academic Resource Center, and he taught me to always look for opportunities. Ms. Funcheon was my supervisor for a year and a half. She is one of the most inspiring women I know, who taught me to never underestimate myself.

What do you like best about studying in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the Heart of KU?

What motivates you?

Achievements, and of course, my family (especially my brother and my parents, they are amazing) and my friends. Their support and encouragement motivate me every day.